How to diagnose the A.C.

2001 HONDA ODYSSEY
147,000 MILES
Avatar
ALEXHERNANDEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
This past winter a friend was driving my Oddy with the AC on and the temperature to the hottest. After about 300 miles, I saw some smoke coming from the hood and turned off the engine (while parked)
When I re-started the car, everything was normal. But when I tried to turn the AC on this summer, it was no COLD AIR anymore.
Any help to get me started will be appreciated.
Aug 27, 2012 at 2:08 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
Advertisement
Avatar
IMPALASS
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 3,112 POSTS
The only way to know for sure what is wrong is to have a set of AC guages put on and pressures checked. It is possible you had a leak and all of the freon leaked out at once.....thus giving you the smoke indication. You can look the AC lines over to see if you see any AC oil to include around the AC compressor.
Aug 27, 2012 at 2:16 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
ALEXHERNANDEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Are these gauges affordable and easy to by in any auto parts store?
How will I check the pressure values for my specific 2001 model? How will I check the leaks if it's empty of gas already?. Thanks in advance again...
Aug 27, 2012 at 2:35 AM
Avatar
CJ MEDEVAC
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 11,004 POSTS
THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT IS NEEDED

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_a-c-r-134a-manifold-gauge-set-with-72-hose-and-couplers-robinair_99994747-p?searchTerm=a%2Fc+gauges

THEN.....YOU SORTA GOTTA BE SCHOOLED ON USING THEM CORRECTLY

BEST BET (IF IT WERE ME)....AT LEAST GET A DIAGNOSIS, MAYBE YOU COULD STILL DO THE REPAIR YOURSELF...AGAIN, MORE SPECIAL TOOLS ARE NEEDED TO RECHARGE THE SYSTEM

GO TO YOUR POPULAR AUTO PARTS STORES (MORE THAN ONE MIGHT MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER) ASK TO SPEAK TO THE "COMMERCIAL SALES MANAGER".

MOST LIKELY AS HE HAS MADE IT THRU THE RANKS, HE HAS VISITED MANY OF THE LOCAL SHOPS AND HAS DELIVERED PARTS TO THEM FOR QUITE SOME TIME. JUST FROM SEEING THESE OPERATIONS, HE MOST LIKELY WILL KNOW WHO DOES GREAT WORK, IN A TIMELY MANNER, AND POSSIBLY AT WONDERFUL RATES.

YOUR KEY QUESTION TO ASK, JUST BEFORE YOUR CONVERSATION IS OVER: "WOULD YOU SEND YOUR OWN MAMA THERE?"

IF YOU HAPPEN TO TRY ANOTHER STORE....SEE IF THE SAME NAME(S) COME UP

PERSONALLY, I LIKE THOSE DECENT-WAY OUT-RURAL SHOPS

DO LET US KNOW YOUR OUTCOME

THE MEDIC
Aug 27, 2012 at 4:40 AM
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 41,814 POSTS
You need not buy the gauges. Renting them would be a better option.
Aug 27, 2012 at 10:41 AM
Avatar
IMPALASS
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 3,112 POSTS
Here is a couple of other websites for you. Also, AutoZone has a CD on how to service your AC.

http://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system
http://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-air-conditioner-not-working-or-is-weak
Aug 27, 2012 at 3:39 PM